Netherlands

The Netherlands have been carrying out series of LHVs trials for several years. Since November 2007, longer vehicles with a weight of 50 tonnes have been allowed as part of a so-called 'experience phase'. Transport minister Eurlings rejected a maximum gross vehicle weight of 60 tonnes, pointing out that this would cause infrastructure wear and tear, above all on bridges.

The Dutch transport sector reacted to the restriction with anger, and commissioned its own research to disprove the conclusion of several independent reports that longer and heavier vehicles cause extreme damage to infrastructure. It came as no surprise therefore when their own report came to the opposite conclusion, resulting in transport minister Eurlings eventually giving in to this pressure. Since May 2008, 60 tonne LHVs are allowed on Dutch roads.

It can be seen that here, as in other places, the year-long trials of LHVs serve only one purpose – to create a fait accompli, making mega trucks an irrevocable fact of everyday life, paving the way for the ultimate country-wide introduction of mega trucks, with maximum weight. Regardless of the consequences for safety, the environment and the cost to the taxpayers.

Denmark: Supposedly limited "trial" prolonged until 2017
Germany: Federal government wants gigaliner trials – majority of federal states against deployment
The Netherlands: Several years of testing create fait accompli